Geranium plant name `Fisfany`

ABSTRACT

A new distinct cultivar of Geranium plant name &#39;Fisfany&#39;, particularly characterized by the combined features of bright purple-pink flower color, slightly semi-double, cup-like shaped flowers, medium green foliage with distinct zonation, medium tall and bushy, well-branched plant habit, and early flower response.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Geranium,botanically known as Pelargonium zonale, and referred to by the cultivarname `Fisfany`.

`Fisfany` is a product of a planned breeding program which had theobjective of creating new geranium cultivars with purple-pink flowercolor, zoned foliage, and medium tall plant habit.

`Fisfany` was originated from a hybridization made by the inventorAngelika Utecht in a controlled breeding program in Galdar, GranCanaria, Spain in 1992. The female parent was hybrid seedling No.2112/3, characterized by pink single flowers and medium green foliage.The male parent of `Fisfany` was the commercial cultivar `Penve`, (U. S.Plant Pat. No. 9,970), having purple-pink semi-double flowers, light tomedium green foliage with slight zonation, very compact habit, and earlyflowering response.

`Fisfany` was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogeny of the stated cross by Angelika Utecht in 1993 in a controlledenvironment in Galdar, Gran Canaria, Spain.

The first act of asexual reproduction of `Fisfany` was accomplished whenvegatative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in Autumn 1993in a controlled environment in Galdar, Gran Canaria, Spain, by, or underthe supervision of, Angelika Utecht.

Horticultural examination of plants grown from these cuttings initiatedin May, 1994 in Hillscheid, Federal Republic of Germany, and continuingtherafter, has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for `Fisfany` are firmly fixed and are retained throughsuccessive generations of asexual reproduction.

`Fisfany` has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and daylength, without,however, any variation in genotype.

The following observations, measurements, and comparisons describeplants grown in Hillscheid, Federal Republic of Germany under greenhouseconditions which approximate those generally used in commercialpractice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic charactrerisics of `Fisfany`, which in combination distinguishthis Geranium as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Intense purple-pink flower color and a distinct white eye.

2. Slightly semi-double, open, cup-like shaped flowers.

3. Medium green foliage with distinct zonation.

4. Medium tall, well branched plant habit.

5. Early spring flowering response.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the mostsimilar in comparison to `Fisfany` is the paternal parent `Penve`.Reference is made to attached Chart A which compares certaincharacteristics of `Fisfany` to those same characteristics of `Penve`.In general comparison to `Penve`, `Fisfany` has somewhat larger flowreswith fewer inner petals and a more distinct white zone at the base ofthe upper petals. The color and shape of flowers in general are similarfor both cultivars. `Fisfany` grows more vigorously, and leaf zonationis somewhat more distinct.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows typical flower and foliagecharacteristics of `Fisfany`, with colors being as true as possible withillustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determinedindoors in from flowers taken from plants grown in a greenhouse in May1995 in Hillscheid, Germany.

Classification:

Botanical.--A hybrid of the species Pelargonium zonale l'Hert.

Commercial.--Zonal geranium, cv. `Fisfany`.

Inflorescence

Umbel:

Shape.--Semi-spherical.

Average diameter.--110 mm.

Average depth.--66 mm.

Peduncle length.--175 mm.

Pedicel length.--21 mm.

Pedicel color.--Medium green to light red.

Number of flowers per umbel.--About 30-50.

Corolla:

Average diameter.--47 mm. Form.--Semi-double.

Number of petals.--6-8.

Number of petaloids.--0-2. Color (general tonality from a distance othree meters.).--Purple to purple-pink.

Color of upper petals.--Between 66 B and 74 B.

Markings, of upper petals.--Distinct white zone at the base.

Color of lower petals.--Between 66 B and 74 B.

Color of lower surface of petals.--67 B.

Color of sepals.--Light green, occasionally a fleck of anthocyanin.

Number of sepal.--5.

Bud:

Shape.--Elliptic.

Color (adaxial).--Light to medium green, occasionally light red at thebase.

Color (abaxial).--Purple-pink.

Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--7-9 fertile anthers; yellow-orange pollen.

Gynoecium.--5-6 -lobed stigma, purple with red filament.

Seed set.--May develop a few seeds in late Summer and Autumn.

Spring flowering response period: In Hillscheid, Germany, in 1995 plantshad on average 1.4 flowers opened 11 weeks after planting of unrootedcuttings.

Outdoor flower production: The flower count in 1994 in Hillscheid,Germany indicated about 25 umbels per plant for May through Augustobservation period.

Durability: Good shatter resistance, good rain resistance.

Plant

Foliage:

Form.--Kidney-shaped.

Margin.--Bicrenated.

Size of leaf.--100 mm.

Color of upper surface.--Medium green, approximately 137 C.

Color of zonation.--Brown, about 166 A.

Tolerance of botrytis.--Average.

General appearance and form:

Internode length.--15 mm.

Branching pattern.--5.9 branches.

Height of plants.--30 cm (in September, based on 35-week old plants).

                  CHART A    ______________________________________                    FISFANY   PENVE    ______________________________________    Diameter of flower                      47 mm       43 mm    No. of petals     6-8         7-9    Zonation on foliage                      medium      weak    Peduncles         17.5 cm     13.5 cm    Height of plants  30 cm       25 cm    ______________________________________

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named`Fisfany`, as illustrated and describe.